Entertainment
B.B. King’s Family Loses Bid for Control of His Affairs

Patty King, daughter of B.B. King, cries while leaving Clark County Family Court Thursday, May 7, 2015, in Las Vegas. A dispute over B.B. King’s health and wealth has been tossed out of court by a judge in Las Vegas who says two investigations didnt find the blues legend is being abused. Thursday’s court ruling keeps Kings longtime business manager, Laverne Toney, in legal control of King’s affairs. Kings doctor says the 89-year-old musician is in home hospice care. (AP Photo/John Locher)
KEN RITTER, Associated Press
LAS VEGAS (AP) — Noted blues man B.B. King — his health failing at age 89 — is in the middle of tug of war between some of children and his longtime manager.
Three of King’s 11 surviving children in a bid to take control over their father’s affairs said they suspect the blues legend’s manager of stealing his money and neglecting his medical care while blocking them from seeing him in home hospice care.
But a judge in Las Vegas tossed the dispute out of court Thursday, saying two investigations found no evidence King was being abused and that King’s longtime business manager, Laverne Toney, should remain in legal control of his affairs.
Toney and King’s lead attorney, Brent Bryson, deny the allegations by three of King’s children, Karen Williams, Rita Washington and Patty King. They say the children can schedule visits just like they always have been able to do.
King’s personal lawyer, Arthur Williams Jr., and his physician, Dr. Darin Brimhall, said outside the Clark County Family Court hearing that they saw no neglect or abuse.
King, who suffers from diabetes, did not attend.
Family Court Hearing Master Jon Norheim said police and social services investigations in October and April uncovered no reason to take power of attorney from Toney.
“There is no evidence of need for guardianship,” Norheim said. “Mr. King has counsel. I don’t have anything here that says he lacks capacity. He has some serious health issues. But he has counsel. If he feels like he’s being taken advantage of, he has remedies.”
Norheim said he could not consider daughter Karen Williams’ petition to take over as King’s guardian until all of King’s children and grandchildren get legal notice.
Williams and a family-nominated guardian, Fredrick Waid, want to wrest power of attorney from Toney.
They said in an April 29 petition seeking appointment as temporary co-guardians that more than $5 million in assets was at stake.
Bryson said he couldn’t comment on King’s estate, which is also expected to include intellectual property rights and royalties.
The petition alleges Toney blocks King’s friends — including musicians Willie Nelson, Buddy Guy, Carlos Santana and Eric Clapton — from visiting him.
They also say Toney put her family members on the King payroll, and that large amounts of money have disappeared from King’s bank accounts.
“The family has been unable to account for what is reported to be in excess of $1 million,” the court document says.
The judge’s ruling doesn’t prevent King’s children from returning to court to press their claim once all family members have been legally informed of the action.
“We lost the battle, but we haven’t lost the war,” Karen Williams vowed.
King was hospitalized a week ago after police were called to his home in a dispute about his condition between Toney and King’s daughter, Patty King. No one was arrested and King returned home to hospice care shortly afterward.
King, born Riley B. King in the Mississippi farm town of Itta Bena, toured and performed almost continually until October, when he canceled the remaining shows in his 2014 tour after falling ill in Chicago with dehydration and exhaustion.
Las Vegas police were called to King’s home in November on allegations of elder neglect and abuse. Officer Jesse Roybal said that case remains open, and no details were available.
King is a Rock and Roll Hall of Famer and a 15-time Grammy winner. He has released more than 50 albums and sold millions of records. He is considered one of the greatest guitarists of all time.
His guitar, famously named Lucille, has soared and wailed in songs ranging from “Every Day I Have the Blues” to “The Thrill is Gone.”
King was married several times and had 15 biological and adoptive children. Four have died.
His eldest surviving daughter, Shirley King, who tours as “Daughter of the Blues,” said the dispute between family members and Toney has brought disrespect to her father’s name and memory.
“I’m not too sure things are right. But my dad would never want this,” Shirley King said by telephone from her Chicago-area home.
Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Alameda County
Seth Curry Makes Impressive Debut with the Golden State Warriors
Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.
By Y’Anad Burrell
Tuesday night was anything but ordinary for fans in San Francisco as Seth Curry made his highly anticipated debut as a new member of the Golden State Warriors. Seth didn’t disappoint, delivering a performance that not only showcased his scoring ability but also demonstrated his added value to the team.
At 35, the 12-year NBA veteran on Monday signed a contract to play with the Warriors for the rest of the season.
Seth looked comfortable in his new uniform, seamlessly fitting into the Warriors’ offensive and defensive system. He finished the night with an impressive 14 points, becoming one of the team’s top scorers for the game. Seth’s points came in a variety of ways – floaters, spot-up three-pointers, mid-range jumpers, and a handful of aggressive drives that kept the Oklahoma City Thunder defense on its heels.
One of the most memorable moments of the evening came before Seth even scored his first points. As he checked into the game, the Chase Center erupted into applause, with fans rising to their feet to give the newest Warrior a standing ovation.
The crowd’s reaction was a testament not only to Seth’s reputation as a sharpshooter but also to the excitement he brings to the Warriors. It was clear that fans quickly embraced Seth as one of their own, eager to see what he could bring to the team’s championship aspirations.
Warriors’ superstar Steph Curry – Seth’s brother – did not play due to an injury. One could only imagine what it would be like if the Curry brothers were on the court together. Magic in the making.
Seth’s debut proved to be a turning point for the Warriors. Not only did he contribute on the scoreboard, but he also brought a sense of confidence and composure to the floor.
While their loss last night, OKC 124 – GSW 112, Seth’s impact was a game-changer and there’s more yet to come. Beyond statistics, it was clear that Seth’s presence elevated the team’s performance, giving the Warriors a new force as they look to make a deep playoff run.
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